Eight States Sue to Block $6.2 Billion Nexstar–Tegna Deal

The proposed deal had drawn support from President Donald Trump, who said it would benefit competition against national networks.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at a press conference in Santa Ana, Calif., on Sept. 8, 2022. John Fredricks/The Epoch Times

Eight states led by California sued on March 18 to stop Nexstar Media Group’s proposed $6.2 billion purchase of Tegna Inc., saying the deal would concentrate local TV ownership and harm consumers.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a statement that if allowed to proceed, the merger would create the largest broadcast station group in the United States, “putting more broadcast programming in the hands of fewer people.”